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Mark Tully asks when it is right to relinquish our dreams and how best to leave grief behind. From sporting defeat to the loss of a loved one, when is it best to let go?

Mark Tully asks when it is right to relinquish our dreams and how best to leave grief behind? From sporting defeat to the loss of a loved one, this programme looks at the benefits of knowing when to let go, and the consequences of not doing so.

Readings explore the notion of letting go of worldly successes and status symbols in preparation for retirement; the pain of bereavement as the gradual process of forgetting begins; a Hindu tradition of renouncing material possessions and family connections before death; and the joy of finally accepting defeat.

Music featured in the programme includes an excerpt from an opera unfinished by Claude Debussy which he finally let go of by pretending to have burned the score.

And in poetry, Naomi Shihab Nye suggests that if we don't lose things - let them go - we will never, "learn the tender gravity of kindness".

Producer: Adam Fowler
A Unique production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 18 Dec 2022 23:30
大象传媒 Radio 4

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When an Angel Passes

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Dignity

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Music Played

  • Michael McDonald

    I Can Let You Go Now

    Performer: Michael McDonald

    • Sweet Freedom.
    • Warner Bros.
    • 2292-41049-2.

  • Luigi Dallapiccola

    Due Liriche Di Anacreonte

    Performer: Julie Moffat, New London Chamber Choir directed by James Wood, Ensemble Intercontemporain directed by Hans Zender

    • Dallapiccola: Canti Di Prigionia.
    • Erato.
    • 4509-98509-2.

  • Claude Debussy

    Prelude of Rodrigue et Chimene

    Performer: Orchestre de L鈥橭pera de Lyon

    • Rodrigue et Chimene.
    • Erato.
    • 4509-98508-2.

  • John Denver

    Sweet Surrender

    Performer: John Denver

    • The Ultimate Collection.
    • Sony.
    • 88697939312.

  • David Bowie

    'Heroes'

    Performer: David Bowie

    • Best of Bowie.
    • EMI.
    • CDBOWIE 001.

  • Leonard Cohen

    Anthem

    Performer: Leonard Cohen

    • The Essential Leonard Cohen.
    • Columbia.
    • 497995 2.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 30 Dec 2012 06:05
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sun 30 Dec 2012 23:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sun 18 Dec 2022 06:05
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Sun 18 Dec 2022 23:30
    大象传媒 Radio 4